Career Fairs

Career fairs are one of the very few places where hundreds of employers gather under one roof to recruit new employees. With the job-hunting season in full swing—particularly for those graduating this spring – career fairs can be great events to help with your career options.  But, with hundreds of job seekers there aiming to land a job, the competition is tough. So, you’ll need to take full advantage of career fairs to get yourself noticed.  

Some Tips on Career Fairs

Here are some tips to help you prepare and maximize your experience at career fairs: 

1. Know Your Audience. Find out which companies will be attending and do thorough research beforehand. Prioritize the companies you want to see. Additionally, check their websites for any open positions that you think you would be a good fit for. Be ready to engage in conversations about your qualifications, work experience and avoid questions such as “Are you hiring?”. Companies are there for that exact reason. 

1. Bring Your Résumé . A 1-page résumé is best and should be handed to every employer you meet. Make sure your résumé is clear, concise and highlights your skills and experience. Employers would not have time to thoroughly review your résumé at the event, so, put your key skills up front and center.  This will help them make a quick assessment of your background and abilities.  

1. Create a 30-Second Pitch. You will be faced with a 30-second race to introduce yourself. Furthermore, talk about how your skills and background could be a fit for the company. Prepare and rehearse examples ahead of time so that it flows naturally. Subsequently, highlight your accomplishments and added value such as any volunteer work, internship or extra-curricular activities, and speak with confidence. 

1. Be Proactive. To show your interest in the organization, ask the company representatives savvy questions about their company, projects, and profile of their ideal candidates. For instance, a good question to ask would be: “What kind of skills, characteristics and experience do you look for in a candidate?” 

Attract Employers at Career Fairs

Treat the career fair like a job interview. Dress professionally, project a positive attitude and interact courteously with everyone you meet. Use every encounter to your advantage – introduce yourself, shake hands and share a little about who you are and what you have to offer, aka, your 30-second pitch. Make sure to leave your résumé with every employer and ask for their business card so that you can follow up at a later date. If you promised to provide an employer with additional details, make sure you take note of it. Follow up via e-mail or telephone no later than a week after the event. 

Things to Consider after a Career Fair

Following the career fair, don’t forget to send a thank you note. A follow-up letter or email restates your interest and serves as a reminder of who you are when the hiring process gets started. All of these things can make a big difference in helping you to distinguish yourself as an ideal candidate and make a positive impression on prospective employers. 

Resources

If you need help making your job hunt successful, do not hesitate to check out our free employment services. We make the job hunt less daunting. We offer one-on-one career counseling, résumé and cover letter revisions and many workshops to help with your job search. Call us at 514-978-8788 to schedule a 30-minute career consult.

You can also check out our Job Board! Click here to find open positions in Quebec as soon as they become available and apply directly.